Getting more classes

Getting regular teaching slots can seem like a daunting task, especially if there are limited clubs in your area. Whether you’re new and eager to get started, or an experienced Instructor looking for more opportunities, this guide will show you how perseverance, proactivity, and networking can boost your chances for growth.

1. Shadow, get mentored, and team teach

If you’ve recently qualified, begin by shadowing established Instructors, helping set up classes, and volunteering for special events or warm-ups. This builds skills, confidence, and visibility.

Nichola Smiles from Houston, US, recalls: “I trusted the process, showing up wherever I could and offering to help. Each shadowing session taught me something new – whether it was connecting with members or projecting my voice. Just being in the room, eager and reliable, set me apart early on.”

Jake Ainger from Birmingham, UK, who now teaches nine classes a week, agrees: “I shadowed every class with my mentor, Helen. She gave me feedback each time. I started teaching two tracks, then four, and it grew. Because she knew me, she asked me to cover classes. When she gave up her slots, I was the natural choice. It’s about connection, being proactive, and networking.”

Jake Ainger

2. Be proactive in covering classes

Many Instructors find work through Facebook Les Mills cover groups. Post your availability, join conversations, and volunteer for last-minute covers to build trust and visibility.

After covering a class, don’t be shy about asking participants for their feedback and encouraging them to share it with the club manager. Snap a group selfie for social media – it helps build connections.

Josh Farmer from Adelaide, Australia, says: “I drove to every opportunity, subbed classes wherever possible, and treated each sub like a performance. Covering classes meant meeting new faces and facing new challenges, which helped me grow fast. Consistency is key – people notice.”

Josh Farmer

Don’t forget to ask to be added to your club’s cover list – it’s often the first place they look for cover.

3. Use Les Mills Connect

The “Find Work” function on Les Mills Connect lets you set your availability, location, and program preferences to find and message clubs directly. Clubs use it to fill class slots.

Your profile acts like a social media page: upload photos, list certifications, and show your availability. You can join substitute lists and let clubs know you’re open to opportunities.

Soushi Ota from Zama City, Japan, finds it essential: “If you are looking for a place to teach classes, I highly recommend making full use of LM Connect and completing your profile. A well-filled-out profile gives clubs a better sense of who you are and can leave a strong impression. Think about it this way – if you were the hiring staff for a club, which account would catch your attention: one with an empty profile or one that is fully filled out?”

Soushi Ota

Omar Imran from Amman, Jordan, adds: “I use LM CONNECT every day – literally. Even if I don’t have anything scheduled, I log in to check for new opportunities. I also use it to manage assessments and training sessions.”

Omar Imran

4. Create your own opportunities

As you build relationships with group fitness managers and clubs, receive great feedback, and consistently deliver well-attended classes, suggesting new programs for the clubs to license can sometimes unlock new opportunities. Identify Les Mills programs you like that would resonate with the participants – sometimes the club will even pay for your training.

Jake Ainger recalls: “When it came to LES MILLS TONE™, I said: ‘I think this would fit really well, so we should give it a go.’ When the timetable reshuffled, they found me a slot. Now I teach three LES MILLS TONE classes a week.”

5. Keep learning and improving

Attend workshops, seek feedback, and watch other Instructors to refine your craft.

Nichola Smiles remembers: “Every class I taught, I asked for feedback – sometimes directly, sometimes by watching members’ faces. I also went to workshops outside my club to expand my skills. Teaching is an evolving art, and learning never stops.”

Nichola Smiles

6. Build relationships with participants

Connect personally with participants to foster loyalty and create a supportive class atmosphere.

Josh explains: “It’s not just about the moves; it’s about the people. I remember names, check in on how they’re doing, and create a vibe where everyone feels part of a team. That loyalty keeps members coming back and boosts my confidence.”

7. Use social media strategically

Share your journey, class highlights, and motivational content to grow your profile and attract new participants.

Amy Russo says: “I use social media to tell my story authentically, post class clips, and engage with members online. It extends the community I build in-person and helps reach new people who might not have found my classes otherwise.”

Amy Russo

You might even attract new participants to your classes too, as Tatsuki Harimoto, from Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, can testify: “There have been people who joined clubs because of my social media posts! One person discovered LES MILLS TONE through my content on social media, which was their first exposure to the program, and came to try the class out.”

Tatsuki Harimoto

Find social media accounts of local clubs – including new ones – and tag them in your posts. Use relevant Les Mills hashtags and general fitness tags (#BodyCombat, #LesMillsInstructor, #FitnessTips) to broaden your reach.

When teaching or visiting a club, tag it in your posts and stories. If you want to work somewhere specific, tag them in your workouts (e.g., “I’d love to bring the Les Mills energy to @XYZClub!”). This increases your visibility and might catch a manager’s attention.

8. Stay aware and seize opportunities

Use Google Maps to find local clubs, and set up Google Alerts for “new gym/club opening [your city]” or “fitness club opening 2025.” Follow large chains and local clubs on social media to spot opportunities – don’t forget university gyms!

Engage with posts from new or local clubs – like, comment, and connect to build relationships before pitching yourself. Follow local news outlets, blogs, and online communities like Reddit to catch announcements of new clubs and fitness events.

9. Remember your “why,” stay positive, and celebrate small wins

Celebrate every achievement, no matter how small, and maintain a positive mindset throughout your journey. When it gets tough, reconnect with why you’re doing this – whether to inspire, empower, or share something that changed you.

Saaya Konishi, Kakogawa City, Japan reminds us: “Opportunities may not come immediately. However, I really encourage you to hold on to that feeling of wanting to challenge yourself as it’s so important. Even if there are no open slots at the moment, stay informed, keep your ears open, and connect with club staff, senior Instructors, and trainers. I believe that getting yourself known is what leads you to your next opportunity!”

Saaya Konishi

Danielle Kirk-Bagley sums it up: “I wanted to impact people the way the program impacted me. Even through rejection and doubt, I kept coming back to that feeling of purpose, knowing I was part of something bigger.”

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Finding work with Les Mills Connect

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